A company director burst into sobs in court on Tuesday, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief as he was told he would be arrested for his alleged role in rioting in Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Joe MacKenzie, 28, is accused of being among the main group of about 20 people wearing face coverings and masks who clashed with police during violent incidents in the city.
He is one of 28 people who will stand trial over the incident at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Those appearing in court range in age from 16 to 56.
Twenty-six people have been charged with violent disorder, an 18-year-old adult is facing a charge of possession of an offensive weapon and another, aged 32, is being tried after a warrant was issued for him.
A total of 40 people have been arrested in connection with the events in Middlesbrough.
Four adults have been released on bail pending further investigations, one remains in hospital with a pre-existing medical condition and seven teenagers have been released on bail while inquiries continue.
Mr MacKenzie, from Darlington, began to cry as he sat next to the dock officer as prosecutor Chris Tame briefly outlined the case against him.
Mr Tame said: “The defendant was arrested on suspicion of throwing objects, assaulting police and swearing during the day. He was seen drinking a can of beer.”
Defendant denies using or threatening unlawful violence
Mr MacKenzie, a manager at his father’s kitchen and bathroom business, denies using unlawful violence or threatening violence and will stand trial at Teesside Crown Court on a date to be fixed.
Nick Woodhouse applied for bail on Mr MacKenzie’s behalf and claimed Mr MacKenzie had gone to the centre of Middlesbrough “out of curiosity”.
Mr Woodhouse told the court: “Mr MacKenzie was trying to leave the city centre and return to his car but was blocked off by a police cordon.
“He was told he would have to walk approximately two miles to get back to his vehicle, which would be difficult due to his clubfoot condition.”
Mr Woodhouse added that he was concerned the family business would go bankrupt if Mr MacKenzie remained in jail for any longer while awaiting trial, but he was arrested again.
Also in court was Thomas Rogers, 22, of no fixed address. Rogers threw rocks at police and shouted: “I hope your children get raped.”
Mr Rogers was sent to prison to await sentencing after admitting possession of an offensive weapon – rocks – and using or threatening unlawful violence.
The court heard he was part of a group of 30 people who attacked police during rioting on Sunday.
He later told officers, “I’m happy I threw the rocks.”
Teenager accused of carrying axe
A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been accused of carrying an axe during the disturbances, unlawful violence and carrying an offensive weapon.
He spoke in court to confirm his date of birth and address. He was accompanied by a port official.
He pleaded not guilty to the weapons charge but did not enter a plea to the other charge.
Andrew Livingston, 53, of Clifton Street, Middlesbrough, denied violent disorder and pleaded no contest to a charge of possessing a bladed article 46cm long.
Mr Livingston, with his hair shaved, heavily tattooed and wearing a white vest, looked up at the ceiling as he was told he would be remanded in custody until he appears at Teesside Crown Court again on August 27.
District Judge Marie Mallon remanded the public speaker in custody, warning them that they would be removed from the courtroom if they continued to cause a disturbance.
Connor Stokes, 26, from Thornaby, Teesside, denied unlawful violence and was remanded in custody after the court heard he was a “main participant” in the disorder.
Mr Tame told the court that Mr Stokes, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and a black face mask, was identified by police as one of the group of protesters throwing stones.
Mr Stokes told his family “I’ll see you in a minute” as he was remanded in custody by District Judge Helen Cousins.
Possession of an offensive weapon
Ethan Bowes, 18, blew a kiss to his mother and father as he faced charges of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The defendant, from Guisborough in North Yorkshire, pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing a sharp stone, possessing a sock “containing a heavy object” and causing violent disorder.
The teenager, wearing a black Nike T-shirt, was told he would be remanded in custody. Judge Mallon said: “These offences are too serious to be dealt with in this court and must be tried in the criminal court.”
He told the defendant he must appear for a preliminary hearing on August 27.
Ashley Ferguson, 33, of Somerset Street, Middlesbrough, is alleged to have waved a pole at police in a “threatening manner”.
Mr Ferguson denied charges of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon and was remanded in custody until he appears in court on August 27.
Jamie Bullock, 20, has appeared in court over his alleged involvement in pushing a burning bin at police.
In his statement to the court by prosecutor John Garside, the defendant who was allegedly involved in the incident stated that “the defendant went to the scene wearing gloves and a hood.”
Mr Bullock, of Berwick Hills Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder.
The court heard that the defendant had “claimed he had done nothing wrong and that he had been offered a ride home in a minibus”.
He remained in custody until he appeared in court on August 27.
Police ‘resorted to using leg restraints’
Jamie Govan, 26, who allegedly shouted abuse and kicked police during the disorder in Middlesbrough, was also arrested. He denies a charge of violent disorder.
Mr Garside said Mr Govan was accused of shouting at officers: “You are protecting them while they are raping and murdering children” and then making “come on” gestures with his hands.
The police allegedly waved their arms and kicked her legs “in an attempt to restrain her,” the court heard.
The district judge was told Mr Govan “denies doing any wrong”.
It was decided that the defendant would remain in custody until the next hearing on August 27.
Lewis Loughlin, 23, from Middlesbrough, was arrested after denying using unlawful violence or threatening violence during the riot in the town.
Mr Tame said Mr Loughlin was stopped by a green vehicle that appeared to be involved in the incident.
An empty gas can, baseball bat, knives and tools were found inside.
Mr Loughlin claimed he was “just in the wrong place at the wrong time” and had nothing to do with the violence.
Judge Cousins remanded him in custody until his next hearing on August 27.